On Wednesday, it was reported that Samuel had asked to be traded. NFL insider Ian Rapoport immediately went on NFL Network to discuss the situation after revealing the wide receiver asked to be traded more than a week ago, adding that the relationship soured about two weeks ago, around April 6.
RELATED
"[The 49ers] have wanted to make inroads on a long-term extension with Deebo Samuel, want to make him one of the higher-paid receivers in the NFL," Rapoport said. "He has just been, as of now, unwilling to accept or engage in any offer or any discussion. And the reason for that, from my understanding, is he simply wants to be elsewhere.
"And there are some questions and frustrations from his standpoint about his usage. He really is a top receiver. He also takes a lot of hits. He's used like a running back, put all over the field, and it just does not sound like he is comfortable, as of right now, with the way he is being used.
"I'm not sure, at this point, the 49ers are going to trade him. We'll see what they end up doing. They don't have to. They also don't pick until late in the second round, so potentially, if they want a first-round pick, this would be a pretty good way to get one."
Andrew Siciliano asked Schefter to clarify what it means that Samuel is frustrated with his usage. Does that mean he dislikes being utilized as a running back, or would he like to be paid more if he is?
Rapoport admitted that he is unsure about the specifics, adding, "What I was told ... was that he was not comfortable with how the 49ers used him last year. That is what I know. I'm sure there will be more to it, but that is what I know as of now."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Colin Cowherd: 49ers must use top pick to protect Brock Purdy
With the 2025 NFL Draft less than a week away, Colin Cowherd unveiled his first mock draft of the year on Thursday's edition of The Herd. And when it comes to the San Francisco 49ers' No. 11 overall pick, Cowherd thinks the decision is simple: protect quarterback Brock... -
49ers tried to trade up for Mykel Williams, still landed him at No. 11
The San Francisco 49ers had their sights set on Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams before the start of the 2025 NFL Draft. Believing he wouldn't last until their pick at No. 11, the team explored trade-up scenarios in an effort to secure him earlier. But to their... -
Rapoport shares candid thoughts on Brock Purdy-49ers contract talks
Earlier this week, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport joined The Rich Eisen Show and offered candid insight into the contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy. The young signal-caller is expected to sign the largest deal in franchise... -
New injury expected to sideline ex-49ers LB Dre Greenlaw for part of 2025 season
The Denver Broncos could be without one of their most significant offseason additions for part of the 2025 season. According to a report from NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan, former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw suffered a torn quadriceps while working...